Poor health outcomes for African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Asian Americans, Native
Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders are apparent when comparing their health indicators against the rest of the U.S. population.

The Disability and Health Program (DHP) is funded by a three-year grant from the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The goals of the program are to include Floridians of all ages
with disabilities in all of the Department of Health's programs and activities for health promotion,
disease prevention, wellness, and disaster preparedness.

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Zika Fever is a mild febrile illness caused by a mosquito-borne virus. It has been identified in several countries in Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Zika fever has also been reported in travelers returning to the U.S. and Florida. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Travel Advisory to impacted countries can be found here. Take protect yourself and your loved ones: Drain standing water, no matter how seemingly small, cover your skin with mosquito repellent or protective clothing and keep windows and doors covered with screens.

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TALLAHASSEE—This is Air Quality Awareness Week, a chance to appreciate the clean air we are surrounded by in the Sunshine State. The high air quality standards in the state decrease the prevalence of health concerns for residents and visitors. They also make heading outside to get moving and maintain a healthy weight easy—there's no time like the present to begin your journey to better health.

"Take a deep breath of fresh Florida air—clean air is good for everyone's health," said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. "Air quality matters for the well-being of Florida's children, adults, families, and visitors."

For the past five years, the department has worked closely with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Environmental Protection Agency to track outdoor air quality to better understand the impact air pollution has on our health. One tool used is the Florida Air Quality System, which provides up-to-date pollution data to the public. Florida's air monitoring network currently evaluates air quality for 92 percent of the state's population and ranks as one of the strongest among Southeastern states.

For Floridians living with respiratory issues such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, low air quality can determine one's ability to perform daily tasks. It can also be harmful to heart health according to the CDC.

There are many steps Floridians can take to help prevent air pollution and protect human health, as well as the environment. These steps include:

Drive less—plan to use public transportation, carpool or ride a bike;

Drive smart—check the Florida Department of Transportation's 511 Traveler Information Service before hitting the road;

Request a home energy audit by the local utility company, and use energy-efficient products;